Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together a crispy, golden exterior with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. It’s an easy yet elegant dinner that satisfies all my cravings for comfort food with a touch of sophistication. Whether I’m cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is always a hit.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Salt and pepper to taste

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.

In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.

Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then dredge it thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, add the butter and garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken breasts and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: I can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Herb Variation: I love adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for a twist on the flavor.

Spicy Kick: If I’m in the mood for a little heat, I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce.

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian alternative, I could swap the chicken for crispy baked eggplant slices.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I recommend warming the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of extra garlic sauce to keep it moist. You could also microwave it for a couple of minutes, but it might lose a little crispiness.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

I use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best fresh, I can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and then bake and reheat as needed.

What can I serve this with?

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. I also love serving it with pasta for a more filling meal.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, I can freeze the chicken and sauce separately in an airtight container. Just make sure to reheat them thoroughly before serving.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

For a lighter version, I could substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

Conclusion

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the kind of recipe I keep coming back to because it’s a crowd-pleaser and so satisfying. The crispy chicken combined with the velvety garlic sauce is a combination that never disappoints. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, I know this dish will always make my meal feel a little more luxurious.

Recipe: